a. [f. EPITHELI-UM + -AL 1.] Of or pertaining to the epithelium; of the nature of epithelium: a. in animals; b. in plants.
a. 1845. Todd & Bowman, Phys. Anat., I. 90. A pavement of nucleated epithelial particles.
1859. Carpenter, Anim. Phys., i. (1872), 42. The epithelial layer of the mucous membranes.
1872. Huxley, Physiol., ii. 36. There is, however, an internal membranous and epithelial lining, called the endocardium.
b. 1862. H. Macmillan, in Macm. Mag., Oct., 464. Numerous epithelial scales may be observed.
1884. Bower & Scott, De Barys Phaner. & Ferns, 447. A special layer, often consisting of numerous small epithelial cells.